Breathable Material Construction
Protective Properties
Integrated Storage
Aesthetics
The Best Combat Shirts
Looking for a quality combat shirt you can count on? Below are some of the best combat shirts on the market currently worth investing in.
Vertx 37.5 Combat Shirt
The Vertx 37.5 is a quality choice of combat shirt for law enforcement professionals looking for exceptional durability and performance enhancing design. This shirt features reinforced panels at the elbows, meaning you can undertake high-octane activity on a regular basis without damaging your gear.
The advanced Mini Ripstop fabric will also suit the needs of those who need the freedom to be able to climb and crawl, providing you with an essential layer of protection against your surroundings. The fabric is also enhanced by VaporCore technology, which delivers superior breathability. Should you work up a sweat, the fabric will also dry far more quickly than conventional fabrics.
This combat shirt also features spacious pockets on both arms, with secure fastening to ensure your stored items remain in place. The inclusion of a suede collar also provides a further layer of protection for your throat, which is especially handy if you are wearing additional body armour and protective gear that might cause uncomfortable chaffing.
First Tactical Men’s Defender Shirt
This First Tactical Men’s Defender Shirt will boost your performance, while also providing you with professional attire that looks the part. This combat shirt is made from innovative Defender Fabric, a breathable blend of cotton and nylon that provides you with a breathable layer to wear when undertaking demanding work activities.
This material also includes a two-way stretch, allowing you to carry out a range of activities and strenuous motions, without your mobility being limited. The material is cooling, preventing significant sweating. Should your shirt become wet, the material will dry far more quickly than conventional fabrics. This combat shirt is also reinforced in all the right areas.
The elbows are enhanced with a double-layer of protective material that will allow you to crawl and climb comfortably without suffering scrapes and minor injuries. You will also find zip-fasten pockets at the biceps of each arm, providing you useful storage for small items.
5.11 Tactical Men’s Multicam TDU Rapid Assault Combat Shirt 72185
This first-rate combat shirt has been designed for situations where you need a decent layer of protection against your surroundings, while also needing to remain mobile and unrestricted. This shirt is finished with a specialist coloured pattern, that will effectively reduce your visibility to the naked eye, as well in infrared spectrum. This is particularly handy for those who anticipate that their targets may have access to IR detection equipment.
Although this combat shirt is designed to be worn along with protective gear as a base layer, it is still a very effective piece of attire. The main section of this shirt is constructed from a tough cotton and polyester blend, with additional spandex granting it plenty of flexibility so your movement is not restricted. This innovative fabric blend also benefits from being particularly breathable, meaning you do not have to worry about building up a sweat, even if you are wearing this with additional layers of body armour.
The sleeves are even more durable than the main body, meaning you can contend with adverse conditions without worrying about suffering an injury. The saddle shoulders are also reinforced to take the brunt of additional gear such as body armour and plate carriers, without you becoming uncomfortable or your shirt material becoming cinched. Large pockets are also situated at the shoulder, providing you with a convenient storage solution for small items that can be easily retrieved in seconds.
5.11 Tactical Men’s Rapid Assault Combat Shirt 72194
This heavy-duty combat shirt is the ideal base layer for tactical applications. The main body section of this shirt is made from a durable blend of cotton and polyester, with additional spandex to provide you with exceptional agility, even when worn with additional layers of body armour and protective gear.
This material also provides you with a breathable base to wear when carrying out tactical tasks. Not only will the breathable blend keep you cool and prevent sweat from building up, it will also dry quickly should it become wet. This makes it ideal for when you need a layer that can be worn underneath other gear for long periods of time.
Mesh panels located the side of the shirt further boost the breathable performance of this garment. This shirt also includes saddle shoulders, which are reinforced to handle the additional weight of heavy equipment. You will also find spacious shoulder pockets on offer here, providing you with additional storage space for minor items.
TRU-SPEC Tactical Response Uniform (T.R.U.) 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt
This item is a good choice for those who want something that falls in between a conventional combat shirt and a more heavy-duty jacket. This premium combat shirt has been constructed from advanced CORDURA material, providing you with excellent resistance against burns and flame damage.
Despite its protective properties, this material is still surprisingly breathable. It will effectively dissipate heat and wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and ensuring you remain comfortable when wearing it for long periods of time. The front of this shirt also features a quarter-length zip, capping off in a mandarin collar.
A hood is also included, making this an all-weather option. Storage pockets can be found on the sleeves to house smaller items, while loop attachments serve as an anchorage for adding other items.
Condor Tactical Combat Shirt
The Condor Tactical Combat Shirt looks fairly stripped-back at first glance, but it is a rugged choice of base layer that will perform well in the field. This shirt features raglan sleeves that provide you with plenty of flexibility and a full range of motion.
This shirt also offers good levels of breathability, with the underarms including mesh panels for maximum ventilation. The collar is also lined with mesh material, preventing abrasion from occurring if you are wearing heavier gear over the top of the shirt. The forearm material will also help protect against abrasion, whether you are getting stuck into your environment during an operation, or wearing thick layers of protective gear over the top of your combat shirt.
The premium material used to produce this shirt will also satisfy with its anti-static properties. It also boasts effective anti-microbial properties, making it easy to maintain and keep in a hygienic condition.
LA Police Gear Combat Shirt
This LA Police Gear Combat Shirt will meet the needs of those after a low-key combat shirt that offers excellent performance and comfort. This shirt features raglan sleeves that provide you with a full range of movement, while the quarter-length zipper at the front also provides you with some flexibility when it comes to wearing.
This combat shirt also features mesh underarm panels, supporting better ventilation that will ensure you remain cool and comfortable for long periods of time. Elbow pad and biceps pockets provide you with handy storage for smaller items, while loop closure attachments mean you can fasten further pouches to your person or secure body armour to your base layer easily.
Condor Trident Battle Top
This Condor Trident Battle Top is a superior choice of base layer for those having to contend with warmer temperatures and more humid conditions. The short-sleeved design makes this shirt far more comfortable to wear underneath body armour, especially if you are having to work in hot weather.
Although the sleeves are short, they still offer a raglan cut that ensures a full range of movement. The crew neck design also makes this low-key combat shirt a less restrictive choice. The downside of this combat shirt is that it offers less protection against abrasion than its longer-sleeved counterparts, especially if you intend to wear bulky body armour over it.
In Summary
When choosing a combat shirt, you need to weigh up what features are most important to you. If you plan on wearing your combat shirt as a base layer, breathability is very important. Look for a quality fabric blend that will encourage airflow and ensure your skin remains cool and free of moisture.
Mesh panels underneath the arms or at the sides will help ensure maximum airflow. You should also think about protection against abrasion. If you want to add heavy body armour into the mix, go for a shirt that includes saddle shoulders, as these will take the brunt of the weight of your additional gear and prevent your shirt fabric from becoming bunched up. Reinforced elbows are also a good idea, especially if you want a shirt that can be worn without extra gear.
If you want to go incognito, but still want the protection and performance provided by a combat shirt, you should also consider the aesthetics of the garment. Go for simple designs in neutral colours, with classic cuts and accents that will not look out of place in a normal wardrobe.